Tennis

Burning questions for Wimbledon

Can Djokovic repeat?

Novak Djokovic returns to defend the title he wanted above all others. Losses to Rafael Nadal in the finals at Rome and Roland Garros have shown this is not the all-conquering Djokovic of 2011, but there is no question he could win again. The Serb will face tougher competition on grass from Roger Federer and Andy Murray than he did in Paris. Slim favorite.

Is Fish healthy?

All eyes and everyone's good wishes will be with Mardy Fish as the American returns to action for the first time since playing in Miami in March. Fish has been sidelined after undergoing a procedure needed to correct heart palpitations he was having. Fish may have put a little too much pressure on himself as America's only top tenner at the beginning of the year but hopefully he has a better perspective on what's important now and can get back to enjoying his tennis.

Can US women make another run?

Sloane Stephens (pictured) and a bevy of young American girls made an impact at the French Open. All told 11 US women made it into the second round and a trio made it to round three -- Stephens, Varvara Lepchenko and Christina McHale. Stephens, 19, went one better before losing to US Open champ Sam Stosur in the fourth round. Can they do as well at Wimbledon? Why not? Melanie Oudin has already announced herself on grass by winning at Edgbaston last week and the surface really shouldn't hold too many terrors for the others, and certainly not for Serena Williams.

What about the Olympics?

Eddie Seaward will be more of a major figure than ever this year. The Head Groundsman at the All England Club has 18 days to get the grass back in shape for the Olympics once Wimbledon ends. "It will be mayhem," he says. "Not because of the courts -- we will pre-germinate them -- but because of everything else that will be going on. Canvas covering will have to be changed from green to Olympic blue; the clock will have to be changed from Rolex to Omega, everything including umpire's chairs will have to be rewired. But we'll get it done."

Will all be forgiven?

David Nalbandian has been good enough to apologize profusely and admit he made a huge mistake by kicking the boarding which scraped the line judge's shin during the Queen's Club final last Sunday. He has been heavily fined but not banned from Wimbledon. Nalbandian's a tough nut and he will have to be because the Wimbledon crowd may not be too sympathetic when he walks on court. In the current political climate, being an Argentine won't help.

Can Serena rebound?

Last month, Serena Williams faced a career first -- a first-round exit from a Slam at the hands of the unheralded Virginie Razzano of France. This could be the ticket to reignite her passion for the game -- which she admits hasn't been there -- or it could signal the beginning of the end ... for real this time. But Serena is a fierce competitor and it would be wise money to bet she won't make the same mistakes twice. Look for Serena to carve her way through the draw into the second week of play in London.

Getty ImagesMike Hewitt

Can anyone break through?

The Top Four of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have had such a lock on the semifinals and finals of Grand Slams over the past four years that it is hard looking past them for a prospective champion. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has the game -- and maybe now the confidence -- to go all the way. John Isner has the game, but does he have the confidence? We shall see. Outside the top ten, only Canada's big-serving Milos Raonic would seem to have the faintest chance of causing a huge upset.

Can Federer win again?

He may be 30, but the six-time Wimbledon champion is always a threat at the All England Club. In 2012, he's been the most consistant player on tour, reaching five tournament finals and winning four titles. In fact, he's made it to the semifinal round of every tournament this year with the exception of the Miami Masters where he lost to Andy Roddick in the third round. Though he hasn't won a Slam title since the Australian Open in 2010, expect Federer to make a go at Wimbledon and give Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal cause for concern.

Is Sharapova the one to beat?

Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon eight years ago at 17, was a finalist last year and now she returns with all four Grand Slams in her pocket. She never thought she would win the French Open on clay so, back on grass, her confidence will be high. Unless Serena Williams gets in her way, Maria is the form horse.